Vale Council looks to bring vacant town centre shops back to life

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is considering a number of investment opportunities in Barry town centre as part of a plan to bring vacant buildings back into use.

• Friday, 11 July 2025

  Vale of Glamorgan

The Council has secured a low interest loan from Welsh Government to buy commercial properties and is now working to develop investment ideas that could support the forthcoming Barry Placemaking Plan.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Council, said: “We know how important our town centres are to residents. This is not just because of the economic benefits they bring to the Vale but also the sense of community and place that a vibrant town centre creates.

“Bringing vacant shops back into use will help breathe a new life into the high street. It will increase footfall and local spend and in doing so support the town’s other traders.

“Barry town centre offers easily accessible shops for some of our most deprived communities. For this reason ensuring that it offers quality and affordable options to local people is critical to improving life in the Vale. New businesses will also help bring back to the town centre those who have switched to shopping elsewhere in recent years.

"There are a number of opportunities up for consideration. While we can’t share the detail of these while negotiations are ongoing we hope to be able to very soon.

“Residents and traders in the town have the opportunity to shape how these are used through consultation on the Barry Placemaking Plan.”

Consultation is currently underway on the Barry Placemaking Plan. This will be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in the autumn.